Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1887-06-29
ON A COWCATCHER.
A LAdy's PeriIous But Romantic Ride
Front of an Engine.


thrill that is very like fear; but it is
gone at once, and can think of moth
ing but the novelty, the excitement.
and the fun of this mad ride in glorious
sunshine and Intoxicating air, with
magnificent mountains before and
around me, their lofty peaks smiling
down on us, and never frown on their
grand faces.
The pace quickens gradually, surely,
swiftly, and then we are rushing up to
the summit. We soon stand on the
.'Great Divide'-5, 800 feet above sea-
level-between the two great oceans.
AS we pass, Mr.. E. by gesture,
points out a small river Called Bath
creek, / thlnk) which issuing fir ON a
lake on the narrow summit-level, winds
near the track. I look, and 10! the
water, flowing eastward toward the
Atlantic side, turns in moment as the
Divide is passed, and pours westward
down the Pacific slope.
Many tunnels lie in our way as we
rush by them, and during halt I am
told one of the tunnels is SWEET" This
being interpreted, means that the arch.
ing rock is full of springs, which pour
on the train as it passes. An umbrella
and waterproof are therefore necessary
for me-now sole occupant of the cow
catcher; and with praiseworthy
economy I take off my hat, tuck it safe
ly under my wraps and prepare to en-.
counter the "wet" tunnel thus equipped.
We plunge into few moments dark
ness-water splashing and dripping on
every side; and as we emerge into sum
light again and stop just beyond the
tunnel, I see a party of young English
sportsmen standing near the roadside.
They have evidently just climbed the
bank. guns in hand, leaving large
canoe with two Indian paddlers on the
lake below. Fine, tall, young Saxons
they are, in sporting attire somewhat
the worse for long travel, but very con-
ventional in style Notwithstanding.
Just imagine the feelings with which
these well-regulated young men beheld
lady, bareheaded and with an UNI
brella, seated in front of an engine at
the mouth of tunnel in the
Gold Range of British Colum-
bia! am sorely afraid
laughed outright at the blank amaze
ment of their rosy faces and longed to
tell them what fun it was; but not be-
ing introduced, you know" I con.
tented myself with acknowledging their
presence by a solemn little bow-which
was quite irresistible under the circum-
stances.
A somewhat similar incident occur
red next day during our journey in the
valley of the Frazer river The special
stopped at station where mule train
was just starting for some distant gold
mines, laden with miners supplies. 1t
was very interesting to see the sturdy
animals all packed and ready, standing
in regular order, waiting for the word
of command from their driver, which
was instantly obeyed, all filing along
at equal distances with the air of quad
rupeds of superior intelligence, who
had made up their minds to avoid hur-
ry or confusion. 1t CHANGED to be one
of our halts at tea-time, and, as usual,
my cup of tea and slice of bread-and-
butter were brought to the buffer-beam.
1 had just been presented with two
large bouquets which lay in my lap.
While I leisurely slipped my tea, there
suddenly appeared before me a very
thin, tall, melancholy looking Amer
lean, having something to do with the
pack train now slowly winding off
through the mountains. Never shall
forget the expression of that mans
face as he steadily regarded me, seated
composedly on the cow-catcher, sur
rounded with flowers, a plate of bread
and-butter on a candle-box near by,
taking afternoon tea. To remain silent
was impossible.
"Good evening"" I said
The man nodded and drew a long
breath
Have you come far?" he asked aft
er a long pause.
From the other side Of the Rock
les" I answered carlessly as if speak
ing of stroll round village 'three
hundred miles OF So"
Odd you come that way down the
Thompson?'' he next asked, a little
anxiously.
80 yes-and I am going to the sea"
''You amt afraid likely?" he con-
tinued,- looking more melancholy than
ever.
'Not at all"
''Now look here, he said, pausing
between each word. cts real dan
gerous. l would not do this thing for
a lot of money!" Then, thrusting his
hands into his pockets with civil,
Good evening, Missis," he disap-
peared round the engine. Lady Mac
Donald IN M1trrag's Magazine.
Status of the Peterby Family.